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Support Young Adult Cancer Survivors in the 2nd Annual Chicago SUP YACS Classic!

On July 27th, 2013, the hugely popular Chicago SUP YACS Classic (Stand Up Paddleboard for Young Adult Cancer Survivors), is holding their second annual event on Chicago’s north side at Montrose Beach. The SUP YACS Classic is a chance for everyone in the Chicagoland area to come down to Montrose Beach and STAND UP for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) through SUP races, relays and family-friendly beach activities. Co-founding organization, True North Treks in a nonprofit that provides free, week-long backpacking and canoeing treks in nature for young adults with cancer (ages 18-39) to help them “get back on track” after cancer treatment. Together with co-founder Surfrider Foundation-Chicago, and the support of Kayak Chicago, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cerveza Pacifico Clara, this major event is one you won’t want to miss, and better yet, all proceeds benefit young adults with cancer.

Last year was a big success; however, there was only one 3-mile course for all of the adult and adolescent racing heats. This year, they’ve changed things up a bit to make it even more fun and accessible to everyone, whether you’re a pro SUP racer or this is your first time. Similar to last year, all races will start on the beach, but this year, they will finish in the water.

Here are the racing options:

“Hardcores” Adult 3-Mile Heat (Men & women 18 & older): This heat is for more advanced/competitive SUP racers with previous SUP racing experience or interests. Adult men& women will race 1.5 miles North up the coast, turn around at a designated marker and race back to the finish.

“Ride & Glide” Adult 3-Mile Heat (Men & women 18 & older): This heat is for those who are interested in the challenge of a 3-mile course, but are looking mostly for a nice ride & glide along the lake. Adult women will race 1.5 miles North up the coast, turn around at a designated marker and race back to the finish.

Adult & Adolescent 2-Mile Relay (13 & older): Each 4-person team uses just 1 board to race .5 miles per person. All teams must have at least 1 female or male participant. This is a great opportunity for a group or friends or work colleagues to get fired up on the water!

Adolescent 1-Mile Heat (13-17): Adolescent boys and girls will race & ride .5 miles North up the coast, turn around at a designated marker and race back to the finish.

Kid’s SUP Sprint (12 and under): The kid’s SUP sprint will take place right at the beach front where a course will be set between 50 and 100 yards.

Beginner’s SUP Clinic: If you’ve always wanted to try out a SUP board but aren’t quite confident enough to join a race or relay this year, we’ll have a SUP clinic at the beach front to teach basic SUP skills so you can give it a try.

Register online before July 27th or you can pay $75 on race day (note, if you need to reserve a SUP board, the sooner you register the better as there is no guarantee a board will be available on the day of the event). If you register online prior to the event, you must print your ticket confirmation and present it at the event sign in. For more information including start times, prices per race, agenda, and registration, please click HERE.

We look forward to seeing you at the beach this July!

**Please note that this event requires a personal floatation device be worn at all ties while in the water.**